Which place is cheaper, Brisbane or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Luang Prabang or Brisbane?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Brisbane, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Luang Prabang or Brisbane?
Luang Prabang
Southeast Asia is a region full of mystical wonders and cultural charm, but nowhere is as charming as the city of Luang Prabang. As the former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang was reopened to tourism in 1989. With that move the city experienced an upswing in revenue and was able to restore and rebuild the beautiful colonial mansions to serve as guesthouses and hotels for the new swarm of tourists.
Brisbane
Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesBrisbane Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Brisbane $154
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Brisbane is $154. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Luang Prabang and Brisbane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Brisbane $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Brisbane $162
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Brisbane
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Brisbane? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Luang Prabang Hotel Prices and Brisbane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Brisbane $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$2.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
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Airtrain to the City$9.81
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Go Card$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Airport to Noosa for 1 to 3 people: $276
- Brisbane Bathhouse Circuit and 4 Course Lunch with Transfer: $268
- NOOSA: Private Transfer to/fro Brisbane Airport (BNE): $255
- Brisbane Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $226
- Airport Transfer: Brisbane to Brisbane Airport BNE in Luxury Car: $151
- Departure Transfer: Brisbane to Airport BNE by Luxury Van: $138
- Sirromet Winery 3 Course Lunch, Tour, Tastings and Transfers: $134
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $128
- From Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket: $118
- Brisbane Airport Private Transfer Service to Brisbane City: $112
- Private Airport/Resort Luxury Transfers: $107
- Private Transfer: Brisbane to Airport BNE by Business Car: $106
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Brisbane?
Prices for flights to both Brisbane and Luang Prabang change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayLuang Prabang $9.25Brisbane $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang
For Luang Prabang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Luang Prabang Local Market and Morning Food Tour with Drinks: $39
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
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Hamburger Lunch$5.23
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Cup of Coffee$1.96
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Chinese Food Lunch$8.18
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Ice cream$3.60
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Japanese Meal$14
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Smoothie$4.25
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Japanese Soup$7.52
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Coffee & Muffin$4.58
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Morning Mint Tea$2.29
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Veggie Burger & Chips$9.16
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Bread$1.70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Gold Coast: Glow Worms, Sunset & Stargazing with BBQ dinner: $118
- Glow Worms, Sunset, Telescope Stargazing & Dinner: $133
- Vertigo Dinner – Dining on the Edge: $165
- Local Icons Food Tour: $354
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Brisbane $24
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with Sunset Cruise: $196
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- Best of Luang Prabang Shared Group City Tour: $214
- Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
- Classic Tour in Luang Prabang: $90
- Classic tour in Luang Prabang (Private): $243
- Day Pass - Premium Wellness Experience at The Namkhan: $90
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
- From Field to Table Half Day Rice Experience in Luang Prabang: $194
- From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Concert Tickets$13
Tours and Activities in Brisbane
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
- 2 hour Brisbane Segway Afternoon & Sunset Thrill Tour: $85
- 2.5 Hour Sightseeing Tours - Morning & Night: $105
- 4 Hour Jetski Adventure from Brisbane to Moreton Bay Islands: $177
- 6 Hour Welcome to Brisbane Private Sightseeing Private Tour: $724
- 6 Hours Brisbane Private Tour - Popular Sights in One Day: $724
- Adventure Moreton Island Scuba Dive Tour: $201
- Adventure Moreton Island Wrecks Adventure Package: $120
- Adventure Theme Scavenger Hunt Experience in Brisbane: $27
- Afternoon Moreton Bay Sailing Tour: $80
- Alice In Puzzleland an Escape Hunt Brisbane Experience: $32
- Alpaca Feeding with Wildlife & Nature Park VIP Private Tour: $959
- Alpaca Feeding with Wildlife Nature Park Visit Private Tour: $893
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Brisbane $50
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
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Evening at the Bar$9.81
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Sixpack of Beer$9.16
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Guiness Beer$5.56
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Sixpack of Beer$8.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
- Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High Speed Boat Tour in Brisbane : $101
- Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour: $107
- Hop on Hop off Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $111
- Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High-Speed Boat: $116
- Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour : $134
- Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $140
- Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $165
- One Hump Camel Farm and Wine Tour: $178
- Luxury Winery Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Distillery: $198
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luang Prabang is in Asia and Brisbane is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Luang Prabang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luang Prabang and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Brisbane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brisbane than you might in Luang Prabang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Luang Prabang Expensive? and Is Brisbane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Brisbane?
Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Brisbane, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Luang Prabang or Brisbane?
Brisbane has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luang Prabang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Brisbane in the Summer?
Both Brisbane and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Brisbanein January. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Brisbanein January. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Brisbane 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Brisbane in the Autumn?
Both Brisbane and Luang Prabang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.
Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Brisbane in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.
Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Brisbanein April. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Brisbane 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Brisbane in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Brisbane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Brisbane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Brisbane averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Brisbanein July. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Brisbane 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Brisbane in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Brisbane. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Brisbane in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Brisbanein October. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Brisbanein October. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Brisbane 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Brisbane and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Brisbane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.